Progression of Age and Relative Anthropometric Variables Changes Among Male ‘Mundas’ Tribe of Paschim Medinipore District, West Bengal, India: A Correlative Study

Background : A cross-sectional study was carried among 226 male ‘Mundas’, a native tribal population resides at remote villages of Paschim Medinipore District, West Bengal, India to investigate effect of age variations on anthropometric parameters of those backward class population of the society. Methodology : The subjects included for the study were categorized into three age groups: Group I: <30 years, Group II: 30-49 years, Group III: ≥ 50 years. Body height, weight, circumferences and skinfold data were collected following standard anthropometric techniques. Body mass index (BMI), body composition variables and indices were derived using standard equations. Results : Findings revealed significant (p<0.05) negative correlations for age dependent variations with most of the anthropometric parameters and body composition variables and indices. Alongside for all these variables, a significant negative impact of age was established following regression study. Frequency of underweight individuals was found more along with increase in age. Conclusion : Among ‘Mundas’ men negative correlation of age with anthropometric health parameters, body composition variables and indices depends on their economical and educational status as well as nutritional inadequacy.